One of the key factors that contribute to the development of an overgrowth of Candida albicans (yeasts naturally present in the body) is the frequent and/or prolonged use of antibiotics. Although most of us are probably very familiar with antibiotics and what they do, I will still give a little background. An antibiotic is a substance or compound that kills or inhibits the growth of bacteria.

Antibiotics are extremely useful medications and mark a significant accomplishment in modern medicine. However, these wonder drugs, or shall I say abuse of these drugs have caused significant modern day health problems such as Candida albicans overgrowth and the development of drug resistant strains of bacteria. I have read that things in excess often take on their opposites and this seems to be the case with antibiotics. Too many, too often and for too long have a negative impact on the body.

The majority of antibiotics that we take do a terrific job at eliminating the bacteria that is making us sick. This is cause for celebration as antibiotics often make us feel better much faster than if we had been left to our own internal healing devices. The problem is that antibiotics kill all bacteria in the body and some bacteria are actually crucial to the body's proper functioning.

Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum for instance are a very important to maintaining the balance of our microflora. These bacteria help to keep Candida albicans from growing out of control. When these good bacteria are eliminated the Candida albicans has the opportunity to proliferate and change into a fungus like form which causes a wide variety of health problems. Many women see this correlation immediately after finishing a course of antibiotics, as a significant percentage will experience vaginal yeast infections.

Using antibiotics for anything other than acute bacterial infections puts your overall health at risk. It is common practice to use prolonged courses of antibiotics for acne and some physicians feel the pressure to oblige their patients' requests for an antibiotic even if it is not needed. I understand the need to want to feel better sooner but behaving in this manner is really not making us any better. There are so many of us out there experiencing ill health characterized by numerous vague symptoms and we cannot even begin to pinpoint what is wrong. I recommend that you think long and hard about your past and present use of antibiotics. This may help you uncover the onset of many of your symptoms.

I am not against using antibiotics when absolutely necessary but there are some things to keep in mind in order to keep Candida albicans at bay. If you need to take antibiotics find a good probiotic to replace the good bacteria that will be destroyed. You should take these during and after your prescribed course of antibiotics. Eat lots of yogurt, as it has live and active cultures that will also help repopulate the body with good bacteria. Choose the plain kind without all of the sugar that will just feed the yeast. Consider taking a natural antifungal such as garlic to inhibit the growth of Candida albicans.

Raw cloves of garlic will work just as well if not better. When you doctor prescribes an antibiotic be sure to discuss your concerns with him/her in order to keep yourself in optimal health. Please visit my website for more information on Candida Albicans Overgrowth.


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